Nor'easters Crowned 2024 NABLL New England Region Champions
Nor'easters Crowned 2024 NABLL New England Region Champions
The Cambridge Nor'easters stamped their authority on the New England Region with a commanding 15-10 victory over the Oaks, capturing the 2024 NABLL New England Region Championship. This win not only solidified their dominance but also secured their place in the upcoming NABLL National Tournament, where they will be a team to watch.
A Road to Victory: Crushing the Stallions in the Semi-Finals
The Nor'easters’ journey to the championship began with an emphatic 20-6 win over the Mass Stallions in the semi-finals. From the first face-off, Cambridge asserted their dominance, outscoring the Stallions 6-1 in the first quarter alone. The Nor'easters' offensive depth was on full display, with Tyler Sikich leading the charge with six goals. Nate Raymond and Michael Maggio added to the offensive firepower, combining for ten points.
By halftime, the game was practically out of reach for the Stallions, with Cambridge holding a commanding 10-2 lead. Defensive stalwarts like David Marsh and Cameron Egan ensured that the Stallions' offense was stifled, with goalie Teddy Strzetelski delivering a stellar performance, saving 85% of the shots he faced. The Nor'easters continued to pour it on in the second half, cruising to a 20-6 final score and booking their ticket to the championship game.
Championship Clash: The Nor'easters vs. The Oaks
The championship game against the Oaks was a much closer affair, showcasing the resilience and adaptability of the Nor'easters. The Oaks came out strong, taking a 5-3 lead by the end of the first quarter, putting the Nor'easters on the back foot for the first time in the tournament. However, the experience and composure of Cambridge began to show in the second quarter as they clawed back, narrowing the deficit to just two goals at halftime.
The third quarter was a defensive battle, with both teams trading goals. The turning point came late in the third, when Jack Bird's face-off dominance allowed Cambridge to control possession and shift momentum in their favor. Bird's efforts in the X were critical, as he won 23 of 26 face-offs, giving the Nor'easters the platform they needed to launch their comeback.
Fourth-Quarter Surge Seals the Championship
In the final quarter, the Nor'easters' offense exploded. Josh Jordan led the charge with five goals, while Nate Raymond and Michael Maggio continued their strong performances, contributing a combined eight points. The Oaks' defense, which had held strong for three quarters, finally cracked under the relentless pressure.
On the defensive end, Strzetelski once again proved to be the backbone of the team, stopping 80% of the shots he faced in the final quarter. The Nor'easters outscored the Oaks 7-1 in the final 15 minutes, pulling away for a 15-10 victory and their first NABLL New England Region Championship.
Eyes on the National Prize
With a 9-1 record and the New England Region title in hand, the Cambridge Nor'easters now set their sights on the NABLL National Tournament, set to take place from August 23-25 at the Nexus Center in Utica, NY. Their performance in the regional tournament has marked them as one of the favorites to go all the way, but they will face stiff competition from the best teams across the country.
Final Thoughts
The Nor'easters’ championship run was a testament to their depth, strategy, and resilience. Whether it was Sikich’s goal-scoring, Bird’s face-off prowess, or Strzetelski’s brilliance in the net, every player contributed to this momentous achievement. As they head to the national stage, Cambridge carries with them the hopes of a region, and their performance thus far suggests they are more than capable of rising to the challenge.
